With a nice two-week school holiday break coming ahead, I’ve been pre-planning food allergy and asthma safe play dates strategies that won’t over burdening other parents and allowing the focus of the playdate to stay on play. Two strategies immediately popped into my mind: Sun Wise Foods Sunflower Seed Spread and Jelly Sandwiches and Blue Bear Aware Play Date Cards.
I was able to meet the Sun Wise Foods crew and sample the pre-made frozen Sunflower Seed Spread and Jelly sandwichess from Sun Wise at the Las Vegas Food Allergy Walk. They got my thumbs up. Actually, I ate two sandwiches, they were so good. The sandwiches are pre-made and shipped to you frozen (packed with dry ice). Then, you keep them frozen until usage. It struck me that keeping a little supply on hand during the Holidays might save me much stress since I can toss a few into a bag for a last-minute play date for my daughter to share. Even better news: they have extended their very kind support of the various fall Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) Walk for Food Allergies fundraising events until December 31st and will donate $2 per every online order to the walk of your choice. Click here for Rules and Details (please note that the date has been extended to Dec 31, 2012).
Sometimes, the easiest play dates are at my house and I’m absolutely happy to host! I try to leave the door open for hosting as to not over stress other parents. We also review the various asthma triggers to avoid asthma attacks. Actually, the number one reason for my children hosting play dates in our home is not due to food allergies, but due to asthma. It is easy to wipe down and remove nuts from the kitchen or living areas. Remove dog hair? Now that is tough.
Do you have any tips you can share that have worked for you regarding keeping kids with food allergies safe during playdates?
BONUS: Sun Wise Foods has offered Gratefulfoodie readers a coupon of $2 off a box Sun Wise Sunbutter Spread and Jelly sandwiches (20 sandwiches)…just use coupon code FOODIE at check out.
FYI–I never accept payment for my opinions on products, I try to share items that I believe you’ll find useful!
[twitter style=”horizontal” float=”left”]
[fbshare type=”button”]
[pinterest count=”horizontal”]
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..
We try to host playdates and only serve safe snacks or I cook.an entire lunch. Homes with dogs or cats are off our list too. Can’t beat fresh fruit as a snack, applesauce, or anything by enjoy life. We visited a family with similar allergies and my friend brought out a box of enjoy life cookies – my kids were so excited to share a snack with their playmates!
Homa, that is a GREAT idea: Enjoy Life or other brands that are safe for our specific families! We can simply, make that statement of X brand is safe for my child, of course, read the label for recipe changes, but truly I can keep up on my favorite brands. I forgot about Enjoy Life or other food brands/lines that are safe. We like to send ‘picnics’ over too. Okay, what mom doesn’t welcome a pre-made picnic?
Caroline,
Thank you for remembering us in your blog today. We totally agree that our little pocket sandwich (as named by Keeley) is a great, easy and SAFE way to enjoy a snack during any play date.
To thank you and your readers, I am sending you a coupon to share with your followers in hopes that it makes enjoying a SunWise sandwich a little easier this month.
We LOVED meeting you this Fall at the Las Vegas FAAN Walk. So glad to be included in this community with advocates like you!
Best Wishes,
Gretchen
SunWise Foods, LLC
Go Nuts for No Nuts!
Hi Gretchen! A coupon for Gratefulfoodie readers is just fantastic! GREAT idea. I am not a fan of frozen foods, but when I can find a safe, quality tasting item…I want my freezer full. I can’t tell you how many times we had last minute play dates and there was a scramble for food. These sandwiches resolve that issue pronto.